Dwindling morale and high evasion: Ukraine's mounting crisis

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, approximately 715,000 men of draft age have fled their country to avoid being drafted into the military, according to "Politico". The publication discussed this on Wednesday, highlighting a drop in morale within Ukrainian society.

The website mentions that the decline in spirit is partly due to inadequate ammunition supplies, essential for effective front-line operations. Journalists also highlight insufficient support from Western allies.

"We recognise people are exhausted; we hear it from local officials and the citizens themselves," said Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during an interview with "Politico".

Yermak also noted that he and his team are travelling throughout Ukraine to boost the morale of soldiers and civilians who might feel burdened by the current circumstances. They encourage them, saying, "You will have a place in history."

According to a "Politico" correspondent, the noticeable decrease in Ukrainian societal morale could possibly lead to a defeat for Ukraine in the conflict against Russia. President Zelenskyy had previously stated that without further support from the United States, approved by Congress, Ukraine might "lose the war".

The BBC reported on Wednesday that the death toll among Russian military personnel in Ukraine has surpassed 55,000. Over 30,000 aggressor forces are said to have died in the second year of the engagement, according to the British broadcaster based on its investigations.

The broadcaster, in collaboration with volunteers and the independent media group Mediazona, has been analysing data since February 2022 following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The team sifts through information online, including media reports, blogs, and social media platforms, and it also monitors cemeteries.

Russia has not released any official casualty figures and has declined to comment on the findings by the BBC. It's noted that the figures do not account for deaths among members of pro-Russian paramilitary units in Ukraine's occupied eastern regions.